Sad day at our house!

At about 4 AM this morning we lost our big yellow lab, Rocky, He's been a fixture of our life for 13 of his 14 years. He was given to us by my wifes brother because he was just too big for his place at a year of age. In his prime Rocky weighed 130 pounds, he was now down to about 105. He was the best dog I'll ever own. A natural pointing lab with the heart and stamina to hunt all day. He was a gentle giant, never aggressive with other dogs or any person. Last weekend he came down with a very severe racking cough. The vet said it was similar to, but not, kennel cough. He's treated 15- 20 dogs over the last two weeks with the same thing. Nearly all were vaccinated for kennel cough as was Rocky. This thing first showed up at the local humane shelter and has spread through the area. We had a stray show up outside the fence about 2 weeks ago that could have been a nose to nose source here. They are pretty sure it's a viral thing. Rocky developed pneumonia Friday and it just overwhelmed his advanced age by Saturday night. I took him to where I hunt and buried him under my long time deer stand where I buried my Australian Sheperd about 10 years ago and my wife's Chow Chow about 4 years later. Makes opening morning a rather reflectful time. My wife want's another Yellow Lab ASAP to keep our Black one company but it might be a while before I'm ready for that. Here's a shot of the best a man could ever expect. RD

Beautiful dog with those great big loving eyes.  I buried mlab some years back, 16 years old.  Part of the family.

Well, think to training that new pup when the time is right.

We understand.

BEAR

Sorry for your loss.  Sounds like he was a great dog that gave lots of memories.

Rocky, how is the new puppy coming?  I am thinking about getting another pup as Axl is starting to get up there in age.  Not sure if he would enjoy no longer being the only kid in the house.  How does your adult get along with the new whipper-snapper?  Got any pics yet?

Mt Miller, We are having our challenges. Our 5 year old has a crappy disposition anyway and this didn't help. The pup is definitely a smart dog and full of vinegar. We've had a couple of brawls in the kitchen. One drew a little blood but we'll make it through. The older black is a hard charger when it comes to retrieving a ball or dummy but has absolutely no interest in hunting anything. That's my fault not his. I waited too long to start him and he just never picked it up. The pup seems to have promise. I wouldn't wait too long. RD

Edited by Rockydog